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Elgin Today
By the People, for the People
Bastrop Museum Launches Book Challenge for Students
The challenge centers around a historical novel set during the American Revolution
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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The Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center has launched a new book challenge for students in grades 4-8, centered around the historical novel "Forge" by Laurie Halse Anderson. The challenge, which runs through February, invites students to read designated sections of the book and answer questions for a chance to win prizes. The museum sees the challenge as a way to help young readers connect with history in a fun and engaging way.
Why it matters
The book challenge aligns with the museum's broader efforts to engage younger audiences and families across Bastrop County, and to position the museum as a community hub. By tying the challenge to Black History Month and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, the museum hopes to help students see history as relatable and relevant.
The details
The challenge centers around the novel "Forge" by Laurie Halse Anderson, which follows a young African American boy serving in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Each week, readers who correctly answer questions from assigned sections of the book will receive a coupon for a treat from a local ice cream shop. The museum sees the challenge as the first of its kind and plans to make it a recurring program offered once a quarter for both children and adults.
- The book challenge runs weekly through February 2026.
- The challenge is timed to coincide with Black History Month and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
The players
Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center
A museum in Bastrop, Texas that aims to serve as a community hub and engage younger audiences and families across Bastrop County.
Rachel Hatch
The museum's marketing and communications coordinator, and a former U.S. history teacher.
Laurie Halse Anderson
The author of the historical novel "Forge", which is the focus of the museum's book challenge.
Jeremiah's Ice
A local ice cream shop that is providing coupons as prizes for the book challenge.
What they’re saying
“This book challenge is a fun and meaningful way for young readers to connect with history. What's great about it is that they learn a lot of history and they connect with that history by seeing through the eyes of a boy their age.”
— Rachel Hatch, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center (elgincourier.com)
“We really want the museum to be seen as a community hub, a place that's accessible, engaging and hands-on for families all over the county.”
— Rachel Hatch, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center (elgincourier.com)
What’s next
The museum is working with community partners, including local libraries, to help spread the word about the book challenge and future programs.
The takeaway
The Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center's book challenge is a creative way to engage young readers and help them connect with history in a fun and meaningful way. By positioning the museum as a community hub, the challenge reflects the museum's broader efforts to make history accessible and relevant for families across the county.
